“The front will weaken today as it continues southward. However, unsettled conditions in its wake will produce gusty westerly winds this afternoon across most Interior regions.”

Environment Canada said scattered thunderstorms are also expected to develop across much of the Central Interior today. Brief showers with strong wind gusts to 70 km/h are possible near thunderstorms as far south as the 100 Mile House, North Thompson and Shuswap regions.

“There is a slight risk of dry lightning as far south as the South Thompson this afternoon.”

Environment Canada said temperatures will drop 6 to 8 degrees Sunday in the cooler air mass but will gradually start to climb again starting on Monday.

According to the BC Wildfire Service, these conditions have the potential to pose challenges to efforts to contain the many wildfires currently burning across B.C.

The public is urged to consult local forecasts for detailed information.

Forecast for Sunday is for mainly sunny with the possibility of local smoke filtering into the region with winds from the northwest 20 km/h gusting to 40 becoming southwest 20 gusting to 40 this morning.

The temperature for Sunday is expected to reach 27 with the UV index 8 or very high.

Environment Canada issues Special Weather Statement, including West Kootenay, Boundary

Environment Canada has issued a Special Weather Statement Saturday morning, for most of the BC Interior, including the Boundary and West Kootenay regions.

"The ridge of high pressure that has been dominating the weather over southern BC will give way to a cold front (Saturday)," the Environment Canada website said.

"Widespread winds of 20 to 50 km/h are expected beginning Saturday afternoon over the central and southern interior. The strong winds will push into the Kootenays by early Sunday morning. Local winds gusts up to 70 km/h are possible through some interior valleys and canyons."

Of course, this is the worst news for the Cariboo area of the province as wildfires continue to burn, forcing numerous evacuations and residents being put on alerts.

Environment Canada said the only rain accompanying the front is expected north of the Cariboo region.

"There is also the risk of lightning over the central and northern Interior as well as over the Kootenays and Columbias. Temperatures will drop by 6 to 8 degrees in the wake of the front Sunday. Unfortunately, significant rain continues to elude the southern half of the province for the foreseeable future."

According to the BC Wildfire Service, this forecast weather has to the potential to challenge their efforts to contain the many large wildfires currently burning across southern B.C., and could cause growth on a number of these incidents.

The public is advised to consult local forecasts for detailed information.